Hello, I need help with some questions that I have.
I plan to build an ethernet network to stream/share video content from different devices throughout 4 zones. However, I have questions about internet streaming boxes and movie server set ups.
Since coming back to this forum, I've discovered a wealth of information including learning about devices such as Popcorn Hour or Dune HD etc. However, all of this seems to lead to more questions than answers.
I need suggestions on buying or building a device with a primary purpose of either being a movie server or interfacing with my movie server or NAS. I'm not worried about how well it accesses and streams online content since I can purchase something that performs that particular function.
For a movie server (or interface), my top concerns are:
1.) Having a nice GUI rather than having a file directory set up. As an example, if you can take a Redbox with the ability to play movies and put it in your house, that’s the functionality that I want. It needs to automatically display cover art when browsing or selecting movies from the server or movie storage.
2.) The ability to support subtitles or close captions. I have a hearing loss, so having access to subtitles or close captions is a huge plus for me. (However I understand HDMI does not display close captions although I could be wrong).
3.) Gigabit Ethernet compatibility if possible. I understand 10/100 is adequate for DVD streaming but I need something that can perform well when viewing Blu-ray movies or HD content from the server. If 10/100 devices are fine for HD or blu ray viewing then I can work with that.
4.) The ability to play most common video formats either in native format (original) or via up-scaling if possible.
My initial plan was to just build a HTPC and allow that to be my DVD movie server. However, there apparently are products such as set top boxes out there that serve this function and sort of neglect the need to build a HTPC.
Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what box might accomplish this task in a stable and efficient manner?
Jlacck
I plan to build an ethernet network to stream/share video content from different devices throughout 4 zones. However, I have questions about internet streaming boxes and movie server set ups.
Since coming back to this forum, I've discovered a wealth of information including learning about devices such as Popcorn Hour or Dune HD etc. However, all of this seems to lead to more questions than answers.
I need suggestions on buying or building a device with a primary purpose of either being a movie server or interfacing with my movie server or NAS. I'm not worried about how well it accesses and streams online content since I can purchase something that performs that particular function.
For a movie server (or interface), my top concerns are:
1.) Having a nice GUI rather than having a file directory set up. As an example, if you can take a Redbox with the ability to play movies and put it in your house, that’s the functionality that I want. It needs to automatically display cover art when browsing or selecting movies from the server or movie storage.
2.) The ability to support subtitles or close captions. I have a hearing loss, so having access to subtitles or close captions is a huge plus for me. (However I understand HDMI does not display close captions although I could be wrong).
3.) Gigabit Ethernet compatibility if possible. I understand 10/100 is adequate for DVD streaming but I need something that can perform well when viewing Blu-ray movies or HD content from the server. If 10/100 devices are fine for HD or blu ray viewing then I can work with that.
4.) The ability to play most common video formats either in native format (original) or via up-scaling if possible.
My initial plan was to just build a HTPC and allow that to be my DVD movie server. However, there apparently are products such as set top boxes out there that serve this function and sort of neglect the need to build a HTPC.
Does anyone have any suggestions or ideas on what box might accomplish this task in a stable and efficient manner?
Jlacck














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